WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

[DazST]

i mentioned several times specifically the issues me (and others) experienced with the Vibelink, you can search this thread (i already written them at least twice here)
the DAC issue happens when the Vibelink turns on but there's no sound. switching inputs workarounds this.
bluetooth is a useless feature that sometimes doesn't work - the Vibelink appears in the app as disconnected or doesn't appear at all. could be phone issue, BT stack - whatever. i'm not the only one who experienced this.

WiiM Vibelink Amp Review

You could also add a small, good DAC to the vibelink. And hook the Pi usb up to that (check compatibility first). Applies to any poweramp. The vibelink also does analogue amp just like them. But one of the outstanding things of the vibelink is it's DAC and 3 inputs. I also recommend using...

www.audiosciencereview.com

I also experienced the random 'no sound' bug when I had the vibelink connected via coax to the ultra, but since I swapped to optical a month ago its worked perfectly.

 

[gasolin75]

Only optical here

 

[bbqtime]

Thank you for the measurements and experiences shared. I recently purchased a vibelink amp to drive Dynaudio Focus 160. In comparison to a previously used Fosi V3, I prefer the vibelink since it is balanced also at low volumes between the channels. Additionally, inbuilt DAC and having no separate power supply for a clean setup are appreciated. Great device!

 

[BGLeduc]

In case anyone is looking to make a purchase, $239 right now for Amazon Prime Day. Similar discounts globally, I believe.

 

[Ruediger]

That's an insane price for this superb amp with analogue path and ESS9039 DAC.

 

[Buckster]

couple of questions please - I'm guessing it doesn't come with a trigger cable in the box (thought I read somewhere it might do)

are there any polarity issues ref compatability with a Denon AVR trigger out or do I need a mono to mono 3.5mm cable ?

the Vibelink manual also suggests a stereo one would work - but would that be compatible with the Denon trigger out ?

something like this be ok ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MV7X62E/ref=twister_B078RWK43N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

many thanks

 

[Ruediger]

couple of questions please - I'm guessing it doesn't come with a trigger cable in the box (thought I read somewhere it might do)

are there any polarity issues ref compatability with a Denon AVR trigger out or do I need a mono to mono 3.5mm cable ?

the Vibelink manual also suggests a stereo one would work - but would that be compatible with the Denon trigger out ?

something like this be ok ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MV7X62E/ref=twister_B078RWK43N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I think I got trigger cables from WiiM. Quite long ones, mono, but maybe that was with Ultra streamers.

Stereo works with the Vibelink, I did that with the Ultra and some short cables I already had.

I actually have a bunch of these cheap Kenable cables. 2 out of 10 broken out of the bag. There will be 12v DC on that cable, it should be trouble-free and with a proper fit. If you want to use cheap cables (most of them will work) make sure to check them prior to use.

What I can recommend is something like this:

Custom Lynx Eurorack Cable - Custom Lynx

Custom Lynx Unbalanced Professional Patch Cable – Full Spec Below Perfect for Connecting Your Modular Synths & Studio Equipment Rean Connectors Balanced/Stereo Cables Free Hook + Loop Wrap With Each Cable Ordered Over 2m

custom-lynx.co.uk

You can find the same at designacable.com with some other options. These are UK based makers, should be cheap for you to get them.

With the Denon I would stay strictly with mono cables.

 

[DazST]

couple of questions please - I'm guessing it doesn't come with a trigger cable in the box (thought I read somewhere it might do)

My vibelink did come with a trigger cable, but I don't know if it varies by region (I'm in Australia).

 

[BGLeduc]

My unit, received two days ago, did not, so it would appear to vary with location. I am in the US.

 

[anonyless]

couple of questions please - I'm guessing it doesn't come with a trigger cable in the box (thought I read somewhere it might do)

are there any polarity issues ref compatability with a Denon AVR trigger out or do I need a mono to mono 3.5mm cable ?

the Vibelink manual also suggests a stereo one would work - but would that be compatible with the Denon trigger out ?

something like this be ok ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MV7X62E/ref=twister_B078RWK43N?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

many thanks

mine came with a mono trigger cable
i hope you're aware of all its hardware/software bugs (that i detailed several times in this thread) before buying it

 

[Buckster]

thanks very much for the replies - will see what turns up in the box tomorrow

if doesn't include a Trigger cable I'll order one from Custom Lynx thankyou for the link

 

[Ruediger]

if doesn't include a Trigger cable I'll order one from Custom Lynx thankyou for the link

Here is the other custom maker offer I know of. That's the one's I am using mostly.

AV Link Cable. 3.5mm Mono Mini jack to 3.5mm Mono Mini Jack Lead. Audio Data DC

A highly versatile lead capable of carrying audio or control signals. Utilising a flexible cable from Van Damme this lead will carry small DC control voltages between devices or mono, unbalanced audio signals.

www.designacable.com

This kind of cable in cheap is among those that break the most over the years. But I have yet to lose a quality line with Rean connector.

 

[Buckster]

thanks very much Ruediger

can confirm package arrived today and included RCAs, Optical, Banana Plugs and a Trigger Cable - UK

seems to be working great so far, if using as a power amplifier should I turn up volume dial to absolute maximum or slightly below ?

 

[Ruediger]

I keep it at max. so the position is never off.

If you do sub integration before it, it's important it doesn't change. If you do only 2.0 it doesn't matter.

 

[Buckster]

I keep it at max. so the position is never off.

If you do sub integration before it, it's important it doesn't change. If you do only 2.0 it doesn't matter.

thanks very much will do

one last question please - gain does indeed seem fairly low, whats the view on +gain at av amplifier output vs reducing outputs of all the other speakers ?

currently I've got the Vibelink at max, and the F/L levels on the Av amplifier set to +5dB, wheras the rears for example are at -3dB

reduce rears and other speakers or boost the L/R outputs even more ?

the pre-out voltage on the Denon is confusing (Denon 7200wa) - I think in normal mode its 1.2V but I've also read 2.0v

I've also read 4v in pre-out mode, but in pre-out mode you have to have all speakers connected via power amplifiers

I was just wondering if you set the speaker levels too high (say +5dB - 10dB) - whether you get to a point where you might get clipping either on the output or on input to the Vibeliink ?

if I can't get all the gain I need I'll just use for the rears instead

 

[Buckster]

it was going so well and then

have been using all afternoon with my Apple TV - fantastic apart from some gain issues

turn on my HTPC - major problems. Very loud distortion even with AV receiver volume set to off - it's only when the GPU is under load

must be some sort of ground loop

I've tried plugging in the Vibelink via an extension socket to a completely different socket other part of the room to no avail

with Vibelink gain set to max the noise is very audible would be easily audible 5m away or in another room - so unusable as is

 

[Ruediger]

The Vibelink has an input sensitivity of 2v. Matching the Ultra output f.e.

The Denon struggles to get near that. It's more like 1.2v and that is already cranked up.

So you are missing quite some gain, possibly. These numbers are just from a quick check on the net.

I think you can set the input on the Denon to +max and do not produce clipping. It is intended to adjust volume and it's range should be within limits.

How does the htpc connect?

 

[Buckster]

The Vibelink has an input sensitivity of 2v. Matching the Ultra output f.e.

The Denon struggles to get near that. It's more like 1.2v and that is already cranked up.

So you are missing quite some gain, possibly. These numbers are just from a quick check on the net.

I think you can set the input on the Denon to +max and do not produce clipping. It is intended to adjust volume and it's range should be within limits.

How does the htpc connect?

thanks very much for your replies

HTPC is connected to the av amplifier via HDMI - its used for gaming in the living room

I tried unplugging the Trigger cable to no avail

 

[Ruediger]

thanks very much for your replies

HTPC is connected to the av amplifier via HDMI - its used for gaming in the living room

I tried unplugging the Trigger cable to no avail

If it works with some music from the Denon and then some hdmi audio not, something is off.

Make sure you apply no extra gain for that input. A dozen settings on the PC, but it worked before and is unchanged?

 

[Buckster]

bi

If it works with some music from the Denon and then some hdmi audio not, something is off.

Make sure you apply no extra gain for that input. A dozen settings on the PC, but it worked before and is unchanged?

PC works absolutely fine - it just has horrendous noise coming out of the speakers connected to the Vibelink whenever the GPU is under load

when I say bad noise I mean even at medium volume you can hear the digital noise /interference through the Speakers connected to the Vibelink and the intereference noise is as loud with the AVR at minimum volume/muted as it is at higher volumes

I had used active JBLs as Front Left Right a while back with no issues, and I have a Genelec active speaker as a center (8030C) - with no issues

pretty certain it's a ground loop and pretty certain its going to be very difficult to get rid of so the Vibelink might have to be returned

switching inputs on the Vibelink to coaxial or optical seems to isolate the ground loop which is a bit odd (nothing connected to those inputs though)